Rockies Have Inquired On Niemann, Others

The Rockies are in search of starting pitching and have checked in with the Rays about Jeff Niemann and others, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.com. However, the talks have yet to reach an advanced stage.

Niemann missed the bulk of 2012 after he was struck by a comebacker off of the mound against the Blue Jays in May. The soon-to-be 30-year-old won't be eligible for free agency until 2014 and will earn a reasonable $3MM this season after avoiding arbitration with Tampa Bay. Across five big league seasons, Niemann owns a career 4.08 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9.